Welcome to our Voter Guide!

In short, we invited all candidates for the Amity Board to answer questions relevant to what the Board does. Our goal is to help you, the voter, get to know them better so you can make an informed choice when you vote, whether through early voting (starting October 20th) or on Election Day, November 4th.

If you want the full low down on the voter guide and our process, you can click the banner above to learn more!

Once you’ve learned about this candidate, you can navigate to the next candidate’s page down at the bottom or just click a town seal to see all the candidates running in the town.

Donna Schuster (D) - Woodbridge

“As a mother of three and a dedicated member of the Amity Board of Education for the past four years, I’m proud to continue advocating for the academic success and well-being of all students. My family chose to live in Woodbridge because of the strength of our schools, and I remain deeply committed to ensuring Amity delivers on that promise for every family.

I currently serve on the Policy, Curriculum, and Communications Committees and am chairing a new committee focused on exploring healthier school start times for adolescents. I believe in thoughtful, data-driven decision-making, transparent communication, and fostering a school environment where every student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

As an incumbent, I bring experience, perspective, and a strong collaborative spirit to the Board. I would be honored to continue this work and represent our community’s voice in shaping the future of Amity.”

The questionnaire:

  • 1. What qualifications would you bring as a member of the Amity Board of Education?

    As a mother of three children in the community and an active member of several [Amity] Board committees—including curriculum, policy, and communication—I bring both professional experience and a deeply personal stake in the success of our schools.

    Over the past four years, I've worked collaboratively to support academic excellence, advocate for student well-being, and promote transparent communication with families. I understand the complexities of educational policy and budgeting, but I also understand what it feels like to pack a lunch at 6 a.m. or sit in the stands at a Friday night game. I bring both practical governance experience and a parent’s perspective, which grounds every decision I make.

  • 2. What would you hope to accomplish in the next term as a member of the Board?

    In my next term, I hope to continue advocating for policies that support the whole student—academically, emotionally, and socially.

    One of my key initiatives is helping to launch a new committee to explore healthier school start times for adolescents, grounded in research on sleep and learning. I also want to strengthen communication between the district and families, improve curriculum transparency, and expand access to meaningful extracurriculars for all students.

    These goals will be pursued through collaboration with educators, parents, and fellow board members, always guided by data and community input.

  • 3. Do you have any concerns about academics, curricula, or extra curricular opportunities (athletics, clubs, etc) at Amity?

    Amity offers a wide range of strong programs, but there's always room for growth. We need to ensure that our curriculum stays current, accessible, and rigorous—meeting the needs of all learners, from those seeking academic challenge to those who need additional support.

    I'm also committed to broadening access to extracurriculars so that every student—regardless of background—can explore their interests and passions, whether that’s robotics, theater, athletics, or student government.

    We should never assume "great" is "good enough"; we need to listen to students and continually adapt.

  • 4. On what basis do you think the job performance of the Superintendent of Amity Schools should be evaluated?

    The Superintendent’s performance should be evaluated using clear, measurable goals aligned with our district's strategic priorities. These include student academic outcomes, progress on accessibility, fiscal responsibility, staff satisfaction and retention, and communication with families.

    Just as we ask our students to grow, we should expect and support growth in our leadership. Evaluations should include both quantitative data and community feedback to ensure accountability and transparency.

  • 5. What are the primary criteria you would bring to considering the administration’s annual budget proposals for the Amity district?

    When reviewing the budget, I focus on how effectively it supports student learning, safety, and well-being. I ask: Does this budget maintain and improve academic programs? Are we using taxpayer dollars responsibly? Are we investing in teacher development and retaining high-quality staff? Does it reflect the priorities and values of our community?

    I believe in being fiscally responsible while never losing sight of the district’s mission—to provide all students with an outstanding education.

  • 6. How do you view the respective roles of the Board, Amity administration, the State of Connecticut, and the federal government in determining curriculum in the district?

    Curriculum development is a shared process. The state provides standards and mandates, and the federal government outlines some key priorities and funding mechanisms. But it’s the local administration—and ultimately the Board—that ensures curriculum reflects our community’s needs while meeting state and federal guidelines.

    Our role as a Board is to review, question, and guide curriculum decisions to make sure they’re developmentally appropriate, academically sound, and aligned with our community’s values. We also must ensure parents are part of the conversation.

  • 7. How would you weigh your responsibility as an elected representative of your town and your duty to support the district as a member of its Board?

    It’s a balance I take seriously. I was elected by my town to bring its voice and values to the table, but I also serve the entire Amity district.

    My goal is always to act in the best interests of all students while remaining transparent and accessible to my constituents. Listening, communicating openly, and building consensus are key. Sometimes that means making tough decisions—but I always strive to explain the “why” and ensure decisions are rooted in fairness, data, and long-term benefit.

  • 8. How would you approach making decisions at Amity that may affect parents who also have students at the elementary school(s) in your town, such as those regarding the Amity schools’ calendar or a later start time at the middle and high schools?

    As both a board member and a parent, I understand how changes like school calendars or start times affect daily family routines. When considering these decisions, I prioritize community input, scientific research (especially around adolescent sleep and mental health), and logistical realities like transportation. All considerations would involve working closely with town school districts to coordinate and minimize disruption.

    Above all, I believe in proactive communication—keeping parents informed and involved every step of the way.

  • 9. How would you make sure that everyone - including parents and students - feels welcome in the district, regardless of their political views (conservative, liberal, or moderate), faith, cultural background, race, or how they view themselves?

    Every student and family deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard. I believe schools should be safe spaces where all voices and perspectives are respected. That starts with clear policies against discrimination, but it also means fostering a school culture where differences are celebrated—not merely tolerated.

    As a Board member, I advocate for curriculum and programs that reflect a range of experiences and identities. And as a parent, I know the power of listening with empathy.

    Everyone belongs in Amity, and I’m committed to helping make that a lived reality.

Next Candidate

Lauren Moras

Lauren Moras

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Joi Prud'homme (R-endorsed D)